The metal M reacts vigorously with water to form a solution S and a gas G. The solution S turns red litmus to blue whereas gas G, which is lighter than air, burns with a pop sound. Metal M has a low melting point and it is used as a coolant in nuclear reactors.

(a) What is metal M?


(b) What is solution S? Is it acidic or alkaline?


(c) What is gas G?


(d) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction which takes place when metal M reacts with water.


(e) Is this reaction exothermic or endothermic?

(a) Metal, M is Sodium (Na).

(b) Solution S is Sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH solution). It is Alkaline.


(c) Gas G is Hydrogen (H2).


(d) 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2


(e) The reaction is Exothermic.


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